inattentive adhd medication - The Difference Between Stimulant and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can improve your child's attention span as well as their ability to complete tasks. But it is not a cure-all.
Stimulants improve the communication between nerves inside the brain, reducing impulsiveness and excessive activity. Short-acting drugs that have to be taken multiple times per week, and long-acting medications that can last up to 12 hours a day are available.
Stimulants
Many people with ADHD are treated initially with stimulant medication. These medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, improving focus and reduce impulsive behavior. They're most effective when taken regularly, but may be associated with negative effects like trouble sleeping, agitation, and an increased heart rate. They can also become habit-forming. For these reasons, it is essential to work closely with your doctor when starting or stopping medication, and always adhere to their prescriptions for dosage, frequency and usage.
Stimulant medicines are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. The stimulants that short-acting are most effective are peaking in a short time and must be taken at least twice daily. In contrast, the long-acting pills such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta(methylphenidate), Adderall(amphetamine), and Vyvanse(lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) - last up to eight hours. Long-acting medication can reduce the need to take additional doses throughout the day. However, it can be difficult to remember.
You'll need to obtain prescriptions for stimulants, and you'll be subject to strict rules if you want to switch doctors or refill your prescription. The good news is that there are other alternatives that provide the same benefits, but without the risk of addiction or abuse. These medications include:
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to begin working, and you might not feel the full benefits until you've been taking them consistently for three to four weeks. These medications could be the right choice for you if you're having trouble getting motivated, are prone to side effects, or can't take stimulants due to an addiction history in your family or a family history.
Strattera, Kapvay and Qelbree all boost the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. This helps improve concentration and control the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD which means they're not approved by FDA for this purpose, but they have been used for a long time to treat other health conditions and have been proven to have an effect on ADHD symptoms.
Vyvamind is a natural alternative for prescription ADHD medication that incorporates cognitive support ingredients, is a fantastic alternative. It offers real-world improvements in mental endurance and mental agility. It's designed to help combat mental fatigue that can be a problem for those with ADHD, and improve the resilience of people to stress, which are crucial aspects of managing ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants
Although stimulants are the most popular ADHD treatment for adults, they're not appropriate or safe for everyone. They also have a variety of adverse effects, including a decreased appetite, headaches, and sleeplessness. Some doctors prescribe non-stimulant ADHD medication for these reasons. These drugs, which can help enhance focus and concentration differ from stimulants, and don't have the same adverse effects.
The medications that fall into this category are atomoxetine, bupropion and venlafaxine. They increase the levels chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, just like stimulants. They only affect the part of the brain that is associated with attention. These antidepressants are usually prescribed to treat depression as well as anxiety however they can also be used for ADHD.
The FDA hasn't yet officially approved them for this purpose however, some doctors do prescribe them as an off-label treatment for ADHD. They're usually prescribed after other treatments, like diet and exercise aren't helping. Some experts believe that antidepressants may help with ADHD by boosting mood and decreasing anxiety and irritability. These can affect how well someone concentrates.
These medicines are also less likely to be misused and do not affect weight growth or weight gain. They can also decrease tics, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat but they can make them more noticeable. They can increase heart rate, which is risky for those who have heart problems.
Research has shown that combining stimulants and these medications can make them more effective than alone. It's essential to consult an experienced doctor before attempting this combination.
Stimulants aren't advised for children younger than 12 years old. They could cause long-term changes to the brains of teens and young children, which could be bad for their mental health later on in life. They might also reduce appetite and lead to weight loss, and may increase the risk of having seizures in a few children.
It's rare but some children with severe ADHD do not respond well to stimulant medications. They may require an alternative treatment like atomoxetine, or Guanfacine XR.
Other medicines
Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD are often the first medications prescribed. These drugs can aid in focusing and improve their memory, but they can also cause negative side effects such as insomnia as well as stomachaches, headaches and heart palpitations. This is why many people suffering from ADHD seek alternatives to stimulants for treatment of their symptoms. These alternatives include natural supplements, diet changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
While some holistic methods can help treat ADHD symptoms, they may not be effective for everyone. These methods are most effective in conjunction with traditional treatments, such as psychiatric care. For example, a therapist can help patients learn how to manage their symptoms and create an action plan for their success.
Children suffering from ADHD can be treated using non-stimulant ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine, guanfacine and viloxazine (brand name Strattera and will be to be discontinued in 2022). Atomoxetine reduces symptoms by inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake, which is a neurotransmitter which controls behavior1. In the same way, long-acting Guanfacine and viloxazine are both beta agonists that were initially developed to treat high blood pressure. These drugs can calm the tics and aid in sleep and aggression, but they're not as effective at improving concentration.
These drugs are less potent than stimulants but can still be helpful for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or don't see their benefits. They're also less likely to cause heart problems, which can be a serious issue for children with ADHD.
L-tyrosine is a different option to stimulants. This naturally occurring amino acid may boost brain health by increasing levels of epinephrine and dopamine. The supplement is readily available in health food stores but it's essential to consult a doctor before taking it. Additionally, melatonin can help with sleep problems and insomnia related to ADHD. It is available as a sleep aid on the market and has been proven to be effective in treating some individuals with ADHD. These natural ADHD treatments are worth trying for those suffering from symptoms but cannot or aren't interested in taking prescription medications.
Other treatment options
If your stimulant medication is not working or the adverse effects of your stimulant medication are too extreme, your doctor may prescribe a different drug. Non-stimulant medications are less prone to abuse or addiction potential, however it might not be as effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) was the first nonstimulant drug to be approved for use in treating ADHD, and is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment. It works by boosting the level of a neurotransmitter in your brain, called norepinephrine which aids nerves in passing messages between brain cells. It also helps reduce anxiety and sleep issues however it can cause certain side effects, such as decreased appetite, stomachaches, fatigue and problems sleeping. In rare instances, atomoxetine may trigger suicidal thoughts. Intuniv is a guanfacine that acts long-term, is another option. It increases the level of norepinephrine through blocking a mechanism which removes it. It is used to treat ADHD symptoms but it has also been shown to reduce anxiety. This is why it can be prescribed to kids with both disorders. It may increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it is recommended that you take your child's blood pressure into consideration.
Parents may choose to take non-stimulant medication to minimize the adverse effects of stimulant drugs, such as tics, sleep problems, and issues with appetite. Antidepressants can be prescribed for ADHD. They are commonly referred to as SNRIs, also known as alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists. They alter dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which may improve your mood and focus, and aid in controlling your impulses. These drugs can be administered alone or in combination with stimulants.
Behavioral therapy can assist you and your child to develop coping strategies that can lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower are natural products that have been proven to ease hyperactivity. However, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements.
Complementary and alternative medicine is broad term used to describe treatments that fall outside of the normal scope of Western medical practice. These treatments include techniques for mind and body like meditation, body-based practices such as massage and natural products such as nutritional supplements. Alternative treatments are being evaluated for their effectiveness to help manage ADHD. However further research is needed before they can be suggested as the main treatment method.